RNA Biomarker

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The unit is primarily concerned with searching for and validating new diagnostic and prognostic RNA biomarkers for a number of different diseases. It has a range of molecular methods available for the screening and validation process in line with GLP, e.g. next generation sequencing, microarrays, and PCR-based methods. An additional focus lies on accompanying diagnostics, which is viewed as a key step towards personalized healthcare. The team develops specific tests (e.g. for diagnosing cancer) to help them reach this ideal goal.

RNA biomarker screening

Well-established Standard Operating Procedures are in place for next generation sequencing (NGS) involving short RNAs (e.g. microRNAs) and long RNAs (e.g. mRNAs, long noncoding RNAs), as well as microarray analyses.

RNA biomarker validation

The validation of identified markers is also well established and implemented using analytical qRT-PCR. Furthermore, a fully automated facility for high-throughput qRT-PCR with an integrated nano-dosing system (I-DOT) is being developed for biomarker validation together with Fraunhofer IPA.

Next generation sequencing: An overview

In the RNA Biomarker Unit, sequencing protocols for both long and short RNAs from a range of patient materials are completed in a standardized manner with the aid of Illumina sequencing systems (MiSeq; Ultra-High-Throughput Sequencing System HiSeq 2500).

Ribolution

The project "RIBOLUTION – integrated platform for the identification and validation of innovative RNA-based biomarkers for personalized medicine" represents a research alliance supported by the Fraunhofer-Zukunftsstiftung (Fraunhofer Future Foundation).

New RNA biomarkers are identified and their diagnostic application validated for selected diseases using comprehensive, genome-spanning screening techniques. RIBOLUTION also includes so-called noncoding RNAs, which were recently discovered as a large reservoir of potentially valuable medical biomarkers.

Biomarkers are being sought that function as diagnostic indicators to reveal diseases or predict their course or response to therapy. In addition, the process of biomarker screening will be optimized and perfected by RIBOLUTION with the aid of technical innovations.